700 Square Feet House Plans North Facing

700 Square Feet House Plans North Facing: A Detailed Guide

When planning a north-facing 700 square foot house, careful consideration must be given to the orientation of the home, natural light, and energy efficiency. Here's a detailed guide to help you create a comfortable and functional living space:

1. Site Orientation:

Best Orientation:

A north-facing house allows maximum sunlight from the south, which is great for passive solar heating and natural lighting. Place the living areas, bedrooms, and kitchen on the south side to take advantage of this natural light. -

Utilize Front Courtyard:

Incorporate a front courtyard or garden to maximize natural light and create a welcoming entry.

2. Floor Plan Layout:

Open Concept Design:

Create an open concept layout to maximize space and allow natural light to flow throughout the home. Combine the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one spacious room. -

Compact, Efficient Rooms:

Since space is limited, design compact and efficient rooms with multipurpose furniture and built-in storage solutions.

3. Living Areas:

Spacious Living Room:

Position the living room in the south-facing area for maximum sunlight. Create a cozy and relaxing space with comfortable seating, a TV area, and plenty of natural light. -

Incorporate Natural Light:

Use large windows, skylights, and glass doors to flood the living areas with natural light.

4. Kitchen Design:

Compact and Functional:

Plan a compact yet functional kitchen with ample storage space. Utilize vertical space with tall cabinets and floating shelves. -

Maximize Countertop Space:

Utilize breakfast bars or islands with built-in seating to maximize countertop space and create a multifunctional area.

5. Bedrooms:

Strategic Placement:

Position the bedrooms on the north or east side of the house to minimize heat gain during the summer months. -

Optimize Space:

Use space-saving furniture such as Murphy beds, bunk beds, or built-in wardrobes to maximize bedroom space.

6. Bathrooms:

Compact and Efficient:

Design compact bathrooms with well-organized storage solutions and fixtures. Utilize niches and wall-mounted storage to save space. -

Natural Ventilation:

Incorporate windows or ventilation fans to ensure proper air circulation.

7. Energy Efficiency:

Optimize Building Orientation:

Ensure proper orientation to reduce energy consumption and maximize solar heating and cooling. -

Insulation and Air Sealing:

Invest in high-quality insulation and air sealing to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency. -

Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors:

Select energy-efficient windows and doors with proper glazing and insulation to minimize heat transfer.

8. Outdoor Spaces:

Porches and Patios:

Create a north-facing porch or patio for shade and outdoor relaxation. -

Landscaping:

Plant trees and shrubs on the south side of the house to provide shade during summers and allow sunlight during winters.

9. Integration with Nature:

Indoor-Outdoor Flow:

Incorporate large sliding doors or windows to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. -

Bring in the Outdoors:

Use natural materials like wood and stone to create a cohesive look between the interior and exterior of the home.

10. Legal and Regulatory Considerations:

Local Regulations:

Ensure that the house plan complies with local building codes, zoning regulations, and energy efficiency standards. In conclusion, planning a 700 square feet house with a north-facing orientation requires careful consideration of space optimization, natural lighting, and energy efficiency. By implementing thoughtful design strategies, you can create a comfortable, functional, and sustainable living space that maximizes the benefits of its orientation.